Earlier deadlines for Medicare drug benefit

It’s deadline that most people of a certain age will likely not forget, the date in another era that would live in infamy.

In this case, it’s just a deadline.

Seniors have until Dec. 7 to sign up for a new Medicare prescription drug plan. But this year’s “open enrollment” dates have been changed from previous years, when Medicare beneficiaries had until the end of the year to decide whether to switch policies.

The enrollment period, which began Oct. 15, was changed to make sure all the paperwork was completed and seniors had their cards in hand by the time the “Part D” benefit begins on Jan. 1.

People can get help from a number of sources, but some primary places are the official U.S. government’s site for Medicare and Consumer Reports. The folks at the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program are adept at helping people sort through their options — whether it’s deciding between a stand-alone drug plan with traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage or trying to figure out if a plan covers your drugs or whether it’s worth it to pay a higher premium for broader coverage. The advice is free and can also be had by calling (800) 434-0222.

Also free but lacking in toll-free numbers are adult children who may be able to help their elderly parents select a plan using the various online tools.